Ross target rifles

The Ross .280 single-shot target rifle was one of the most accurate match target rifles made. 100 years ago it set many records at some of the most prestigous matches in the world such as Connaught and Bisley where the range was 1000 or 1200 yards. There were two variations that have been designated as first and second variation. The difference between the two was the stock. The Ross Rifle Story text incorrectly categorizes these and has them reversed. The first variation has a thin tapered forend and the second variation has a deeply grooved forend. This second variation is illustrated in the Ross 1914 catalog. These rifles are sometimes referred to as as the M1905-M1910 model which appears a designation applied after the Ross factory was long closed. The action is neither a 1905 or 1910 action and most closely resembles the 1907 Scotch Deerstalker action. These rifles could only be fired in the supine position. The rifles were not equipped with sights at the factory as Sir Charles did not believe he could be as presumptive to assume what specific sights the shooter would want. The rifle was fitted with a heel sight and could not be fired from the shoulder. The sights are known as "Galilean Telescope" with optics in both the front and rear sight which provided a small amount of magnification. It is thought that about a half dozen of these rifles are extant in unaltered condition. The only original caliber for these rifles is the .280 Ross.

The next group of rifles pictures is a trio of MkII**'s. Again, these were tremendous match winners approximately 100 years ago dominating the major matches of the time. These are commercial versions of the military MkII's and were built to close commercial tolerances and tight chambers. They were fitted with 30.5 inch barrels. The major variation among them were those models with one-piece top wood vs. two-piece.

Note that a third M1905-1910 added. This is a second model; new pictures of all three.

William Leaper MkII** pictures 51 - 71